Norway’s prime minister, Erna Solberg, has been fined 20 000 kroner (£1 713) after breaking coronavirus restrictions.
Solberg organised a family gathering to celebrate her 60th birthday in violation of the government’s social-distancing rules banning gatherings of more than 10 people.
Solberg’s party was held at a mountain resort in late February and was attended by 13 of her relatives.
The matter came to light in a report by the public broadcaster NRK, which triggered a police investigation.
Solberg has apologised several times for organising the event and on Friday said she would pay the fine, which was issued by police. She told Norway’s TV2 News:
I’d like to say again that I’m sorry for breaking the coronavirus rules. I will accept the fine, and pay it.
According to police, the event was jointly organised by Solberg and her husband Sindre Finnes, but only the former was fined. The police chief, Ole Saeverud said:
Though the law is the same for all, all are not equal in front of the law.
It is therefore correct to issue a fine in order to uphold the general public’s trust in the rules on social restrictions.
Solberg is the country’s leader and she has been at the forefront of the restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the virus.
As of 4.15 GMT on Saturday, 10 April 2021, Norway had recorded 102 974 cumulative coronavirus cases, 88 952 recoveries and 684 deaths.